M*A*S*H: A Smattering of IntelligenceCBS
March 2, 1974
Dramedy
DVD
B
This Gelbart & Marks story (also directed by Gelbart) is funnier than most of the episodes of the season it closes. Edward Winter returns, now as Col. Samuel Flagg, facing off against another spy, who interestingly is a good buddy of Trapper's. That doesn't stop Trap and Hawk from playing mind games with them both, with Frank's patriotism questioned from the right and left.
The season fluctuates in quality almost as much as the first one did, this time ranging from D+ to B+, although the average is ultimately a B-. Sexism and unfunny humor (sometimes but not always overlapping categories) continue to crop up, but less so. There are times, as in this episode, when the humor comes, as it should, from the contrast of Hawkeye and Trapper with the genuine craziness of the military and government. The character overload of the first season is less of an issue. On the other hand, there are times when staleness and de ja vu are a problem, and I don't know that that's going to improve with nine years left to go. Verdict: M*A*S*H is still trying to figure things out, but it is getting closer. I hope.
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